Unlocking the Anticancer Potential of Turmeric and Curcumin

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Educator, and Retired Pharmacist

Few spices have garnered as much attention and acclaim as turmeric in natural health and wellness. This vibrant yellow-orange root, a cornerstone of traditional medicine for thousands of years, has a rich cultural heritage that connects us to our ancestors. Central to turmeric's healing prowess is curcumin, a compound extensively studied for its potential anticancer properties. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of turmeric and curcumin, shedding light on their anticancer actions, challenges in absorption, and the innovative solutions to these challenges while also touching upon their role in conventional cancer treatments.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric, a root, or rhizome, of the Curcuma longa plant, native to Southeast Asia, is not just a spice but a cultural icon. Its distinctive golden hue and warm, slightly bitter flavor inspire...

Bacillus coagulants, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus clausii probiotics have emerged as powerful allies supporting immune function and impacting cancer.

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Author, and Retired Pharmacist

 The role of the gut microbiome has taken center stage in the quest for optimal health and disease prevention. Among the myriad beneficial bacteria, spore-forming probiotics such as Bacillus coagulants, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus clausii have emerged as powerful allies in supporting immune function and potentially preventing and aiding in treating cancer.

Bacillus Coagulans: A Shield for Immune Health

Bacillus coagulans is a remarkable probiotic known for surviving stomach acid, reaching the gut where it can exert its beneficial effects. Research suggests that Bacillus coagulans can boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells and reducing inflammation, a critical factor in the body's defense against pathogens and...

Unlock the Maximum Potential of Your Ketogenic Diet for Cancer

Kancer Keto is developed and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Retired Pharmacist, Author

In the journey of cancer management and prevention, your food, lifestyle, and supplements play a pivotal role. The ketogenic diet, known for its moderate protein, low carbohydrate, and higher fat content, has emerged as a beacon of hope. The Kancer Keto Program is beyond a traditional ketogenic diet for cancer: it's about a lifestyle that could hinder cancer's fuel sources.

The Science Behind Ketogenic Diet and Cancer

Cancer cells thrive on glucose.[i] By significantly reducing glucose intake, a ketogenic diet can potentially slow down the growth of cancer cells.[ii] A ketogenic diet's restriction of carbohydrates limits glucose metabolism, essentially starving cancer cells while nourishing healthy cells. 

This traditional ketogenic diet for cancer approach, however, comes with its concerns.

Many people eat more...

Alpha Lipoid Acid: Anticancer | Chemotherapy & Radiation Sensitizer | Neuropathy Reduction

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author
Written: 08/20/2023   Updated 03/25/2024

While conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have been the cornerstone of cancer therapy, researchers are continually exploring ways to enhance their effectiveness and reduce side effects. One promising compound that has emerged in recent scientific discussions is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). This powerful antioxidant might play a significant role in supporting cancer treatment.

What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA aka thioctic acid) is a naturally occurring compound that's vital for cellular energy production. It's unique because it's both water and fat-soluble, allowing it to work in every cell or tissue in the body. Beyond its primary role in energy metabolism, ALA is renowned for its antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful...

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, BSc Pharmacy, Author
March 16, 2024

In the quest for optimal health, many turn to supplements, like multiple vitamins with folic acid. But what if the very supplement you’re taking for better health could have hidden cancer concerns?

I review blood tests each day in my clinical nutrition appointments. Since 1999 I have seen fewer than six people with a folate level in the normal range and only one person with a low folate level. That means I’ve seen over 20,000 people with high blood levels of folate. Could this be part of the reason why we have such high rates of cancer?

The Concerns Around Synthetic Folic Acid

Synthetic folic acid is the man-made version of the vitamin folate, a crucial nutrient for many processes in our body including DNA synthesis, cell division and repair, and neurotransmitter receptor function. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for various bodily functions, including cell division and...

Unlocking the Power of Beta-Glucan in the Fight Against Cancer
Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author

In the journey to Prevail Over Cancer, understanding the role of nutrition and natural compounds can be a game-changer in enhancing treatment outcomes and overall well-being. Among these, beta-glucan stands out for its remarkable health benefits, particularly in supporting individuals battling cancer.

What is Beta-Glucan?

Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria, and fungi, with oats and barley being particularly rich sources. Known for its immune-enhancing properties, beta-glucan has captured the attention of both the scientific community and those seeking to support their health through natural means.

A Beacon of Hope for Cancer Patients

Research has illuminated the potential of beta-glucan as a powerful ally in the fight against cancer. Here's how it can make a difference:

1. Immune System...

Unveiling the Power of Green Tea and EGCG: A Natural Ally in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author

In my ongoing quest to empower our community with knowledge and tools to prevail over cancer, I turn my focus to one of nature's most potent gifts: green tea. Revered for centuries for its healing properties, green tea has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of cancer prevention. Join me as I delve into the science behind green tea's anticancer benefits and explore how integrating this miraculous beverage into our daily routine can fortify our defenses against this formidable adversary.

Green Tea: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

At the heart of green tea's anticancer prowess lies its rich concentration of antioxidants, particularly catechins. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant and powerful catechin in green tea, has been extensively studied for its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce...

Protein L-Glutamine and Cancer

Step 1 - Limit L-Glutamine added to protein powders. 

There are 3 major food groups our body must have: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Proteins provide amino acids including L-glutamine that are used for many functions in our body including brain chemicals, energy production, and organ repair. L-glutamine plays an important role in energy, cancer cell growth and progression. Limiting L-glutamine sources can often help slow cancer cell growth.

L-glutamine is one of the amino acids that our body can make from other amino acids. Since this is the case the first step in decreasing L-glutamine use by cancer cells is limiting protein powders that have L-glutamine listed as an ingredient. So, if you’re using protein powders check your labels and change sources if needed.

Step 2 Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting
L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is an amino acid derived from proteins in our diet. We must have proteins and l-glutamine to be...

Berberine has gained scientific research attention for its impact on gut health, blood glucose, and controlling cancer cell growth.

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist
B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author of Prevail Over Cancer Tactics™
www.PrevalOverCancer.com

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants in the Berberis family, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has been used in oriental, Indian Ayurvedic, and Middle Eastern medicine for centuries for numerous conditions including diarrhea, infections, and inflammation.[i]

Rarely do I come across an herbal supplement that has so many valuable effects on the body.

Berberine: Gut Health

Berberine is a commonly used intestinal anti-inflammatory herb. Berberine reduces inflammation and toxins in the intestines while restoring the beneficial bacteria balance in people consuming an unhealthy fat diet.[ii] Research shows berberine helps normalize diarrheal bowel movements in children and adults.[iii]...

Press-Pulse Insights from Dr. Thomas Seyfried
Written by Keith Bishop, CN, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author

November 27, 2023

This paper discusses the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) a tool developed by Dr. Thomas Seyfried and his team at Boston College, and L-Glutamine restriction as a strategy for managing cancer growth.[1] The GKI It is the ratio of blood glucose to ketone bodies. The higher the ratio the higher the glucose and lower the ketone bodies. The lower the ratio the lower the glucose and higher the ketone bodies.

GKI and Cancer

There is a very strong association between elevated blood glucose, oxidative stress, inflammation and the higher risk of cancer.[2] Ketone bodies (the body using fat for energy) and ketogenic diets appear to be powerful agents in treating human cancers. Ketone bodies often enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments.[3]

Dr. Seyfried's research in the realm of cancer treatment has shown increasingly impressive therapeutic outcomes with lower GKI...